Tertullian, one of the Early Church Fathers of the second century, said this “the blood of martyrs is the seed of the Church.” For many marvel at their faithfulness and steadfastness in the truth they hold fast to. Why would anyone lay down their life for a false belief? How is it that so many would willingly sacrifice their lives? How is it that they were able to meet their end with peace and joy in their hearts?
Today we remember and celebrate the feast day of the first martyr, St Stephen. His great love for our Lord is manifested in his speech, prayer and grace filled actions. He exemplifyes what Jesus teaches us in today’s Gospel.
Lord Jesus, let all that I say and do be for Your glory; and at the end of my life, receive my spirit. Amen
Saint Stephen pray for us…
________
First reading
Acts 6:8-10,7:54-59,
The martyrdom of Stephen
Stephen was filled with grace and power and began to work miracles and great signs among the people. But then certain people came forward to debate with Stephen, some from Cyrene and Alexandria who were members of the synagogue called the Synagogue of Freedmen, and others from Cilicia and Asia. They found they could not get the better of him because of his wisdom, and because it was the Spirit that prompted what he said. They were infuriated when they heard this, and ground their teeth at him.
But Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at God’s right hand. ‘I can see heaven thrown open’ he said ‘and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.’ At this all the members of the council shouted out and stopped their ears with their hands; then they all rushed at him, sent him out of the city and stoned him. The witnesses put down their clothes at the feet of a young man called Saul. As they were stoning him, Stephen said in invocation, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’
________
Gospel
Matthew 10:17-22
The Spirit of your Father will be speaking in you
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Beware of men: they will hand you over to sanhedrins and scourge you in their synagogues. You will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the pagans. But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to speak or what to say; what you are to say will be given to you when the time comes; because it is not you who will be speaking; the Spirit of your Father will be speaking in you.
‘Brother will betray brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise against their parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by all men on account of my name; but the man who stands firm to the end will be saved.’
CatholicJules.net 